NEF/H&R vs Mossberg SSI-One

[BattleRifleG3]

I have an H&R 12ga single shot with mod choke.  After my last shooting session with varied ammo, I found myself in quite a bit of pain as a result.

Of course it's due to the light weight of the shotgun, and I of all people should be willing to just make a new heavier stock should I want such a thing.

But I started thinking about other options and thus the Mossberg SSI-One, presumably discontinued.  Being designed from the start as an interchangeable rifle/shotgun system, it wouldn't have H&R's issue of whether the frame can take shotgun barrel only.  Also, unlike H&R, they sell barrels apart from the gun, presumably meaning greater interchangeability.  Also looks as though they're easier to break open and reload.

So question is how do they compare in real life use?  Are the Mossbergs in fact heavier, as they would appear to me?  Are the specs tighter than the H&Rs and are the SSIs more or less accurate, in general?

And what choke options do Mossbergs have that perhaps H&R may not?

[RugerNo3]

One of the bad features of the Mossberg SS1 is the cock on opening feature. Yes, it is difficult to open as it is cocking the hammer at the same time and a Superposed it is not. Another is that obnoxious hunk of iron they call an action. Very heavy. :roll: The third is the so-so accuracy. Other then that it will spit out bullets if loaded and the trigger is pulled.

[BattleRifleG3]

So you'd say that the Mossberg SSI is LESS accurate than an NEF?  That's something I was hoping to find out, thanks.

[Steve E]

I have a Mossberg SSI (30-06 & 12 Ga rifled Slug barrel)and it is a well made rifle and it is reasonably accurate with the 30-06 barrel, average groups run 2.5 inches with an occasional 1.75 inch group. Haven't shot the Slug barrel yet. It is hard opening but has gotten easier with use but is still harder than I like. As RugerNo3 said it is heavy(my biggest complaint). Fit and finish on mine is very good. It seems Mossberg is planning to start making SSI's or at least the barrels again. Good thing about the barels is they come with their own fore end.
Check out CDNN Investments for some super deals on the SSI's. Well worth the money.
I have owned only 1 Handi Rifle and it was a 357 Mag and it shot super accurate at 100 yds. Don't have it any more, one of those stupid times where a buddy asked how much and I priced it too high but he bought it anyway, really wished I would have kept it.

                                            Steve E...........
                                       Steve E..............

[Mattkc]

I have a SSI in 308 and after a trigger job get 3 shot groups between 1-1.5" at a 100 yards.  It is heavy but the fit and finish is much nicer then the H&R.  Also the wood is very nice and when you go to the range you don't fill like you are caring a poor boy special.  Every time I go to the range someone asks me if it is a Ruger #1.  I use it for hunting from a deer stand and not as a walking rifle.  The weight comes in handy for off hand shots and my shoulder like the reduced pounding.  The main problem with the SSI was the price $450 but I got mine for $225 when they were discontinued.  I had thought about a H&R but when you read the H&R Forum seems like to many people have problems.

[MSP Ret]

Not many have problems with the H&R's, mostly questions and problems are discussed on the site, not good shooting guns. I am sure most (99+%) on the H&R site would suggest and reccommend them. If the H&R is to light try a standard H&R laminated stock set on it or a good recoil pad (Sims is what most say woeks the best). Anoteh often used trick is to simply remove the recoil pad or butt plate and fill the hole in the stock with lead shot, many who use the guns for trap do and they usually use #6 shot for some reason, it makes the gun a pussycat to shoot!!! Good luck. For about $89 at Wal Mart there is no better deal going than the NEF/H&R shotguns!!!!. With a Sims recoil pad, either a size small slip on or a grind to fit and the hole in the stock filled with shot a young child could shoot a 12 gauge comfortably. I know with a Sims slip on on my light H&R 12 gauge I can shoot many slugs at the range while seated and using a rest with no discomfort at all!!!!. And another thing, these "poor boy specials" can shoot, many guys are shooting 1" groups with their 12 and 20 gauge Ultra Slug Hunters, they are heavy but VERY accurate, as a matter of fact I think it was G&A magazine that did an article on slug guns and said they were the most accurate slug guns out there!!! I like to walk and still hunt so I want a lighter slug gun so when I hunt in a shotgun only area I have opted for an NEF/H&R Tracker I, it is the smoothbore I prefer instead of the Tracker II with a rifled barrel, although I have one of those also if I need 1" at 100 yard accuracy at the greater cost of sabots over rifled slugs. Good luck....<><.... :grin:

[slayer]

I thought Rifled slugs shot pretty good in Rifled barrels? Thanks-Jack.

[BattleRifleG3]

I'm thinking possibly about a rifle version of these.  Accuracy reports would be very helpful, particularly the 223 version.  Would like to know how the SSI compares in that regard.

[Steve E]

G3

      Just weighed my SSI and with a 3-9x40 scope it weighs 9.45 lbs.
I recently recut the crown with my 17* crowning tool and it cut my groups in half. The 150 gr gray box Winchester stuff would shoot into 2.5 inches but now the same ammo(same box) does 1.25 inch at 100 yds.
The same tool(different pilot) turned my 1.5 to 2.0 inch 7-08 Encore pistol into a gun that shoots regular .75 inch groups.
I actually am looking forward to doing some hunting with the SSI now, at 9.45 lbs. it'll make a good tree stand gun.
What ever you get just enjoy it and take someone else to the range or hunting.

                                         Steve E..........